The Victorian Local Governance Association (VLGA) acknowledges Victoria’s housing affordability crisis and its impact on households and local communities across the state.
As the leading voice of Victorian councillors, the VLGA hears daily from members about the need for more and better housing options for Victorians.
This week’s announcement of new housing targets for individual council areas offers a positive way forward, provided there is a genuine partnership with local councils around the targets and how and where they are delivered.
VLGA CEO Kathryn Arndt said that little consultation had occurred before the announcement of these proposed targets and that the approach from the Victorian Government would need to change significantly for this policy to succeed.
“Local councillors and council staff have a deep understanding of their local communities and the potential benefits that new housing can bring. It is critical to this policy's success that local government's role in developing planning schemes is valued.”
“The goal of increasing the number of homes in the places where people want to live, work and play is a good one. The question that Victorians will be asking themselves is whether or not this will be done in partnership with local communities or driven by developers.”
“In most cases, councils should retain powers to make planning decisions based on meaningful community engagement and agreed planning schemes that will deliver the best outcomes for current and future generations of people living and working in their municipalities.”
“Victoria’s 79 local councils are ready to step up and work with the Victorian Government to deliver more and better housing options for Victorians.”
Read the Victorian Government media release here: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/councils-get-first-shot-unlocking-space-more-homes
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